Iranian Oil Vessel Rams Intercepting U.S. Destroyer

WASHINGTON — An Iranian oil vessel collided with a U.S. Navy destroyer Friday in the northern Persian Gulf, punching a 2-foot hole in the destroyer's side but causing no injuries, U.S. officials said.

The destroyer Paul Hamilton was in no danger and continued operating afterward, the officials said. The gash in the hull was above the water line.

The U.S. ship was attempting to conduct a maritime intercept of the Iranian ship when the collision occurred. In such an intercept, the U.S. ship would have approached the targeted ship to communicate with and possibly to board it. Details in this case were sketchy, but officials said no hostile intent was apparent.

There was no immediate word on the condition of the Iranian ship, which was described as an oil vessel but not a tanker.